Terry and Clarence Low, Bits 'N' Bytes: Smartphones not as vulnerable to viruses

A Unfortunately, this can't be answered with a simple yes or no — "maybe" is more accurate.

The reason mobile phones aren't as prone to getting viruses as computers is because of the way you download apps to your device. Typically, to install an app on your phone you first visit some sort of store such as Google Play or, for iPhones, the App Store. When a developer submits an app to these stores for publication, the code gets a rigorous review and is only published and approved for sale after a series of checks. For this reason, the apps are usually very clean and hence virus-free. And if a corrupted app is discovered after it's been published, it's typically removed from the store immediately.

A computer program, on the other hand, doesn't get nearly the same attention or review. Indeed, the code of many programs isn't reviewed at all, making it easier and faster for developers to write new programs but also allowing for the proliferation of software that's more insecure and potentially virus-ridden.

Of the three most common smartphone operating systems — Android, iOS and Windows/BlackBerry — Android is considered by many to be the least secure as it is open source, meaning the code used to create it is available to anyone. So hackers have an easier time writing malicious programs and viruses. iOS, however, is a closed system, so it's much more difficult to sneak malware into the apps. Windows and BlackBerry have the least number of users worldwide, and therefore hackers don't typically waste their time inventing viruses as the payoff just isn't that great.

What can you do to protect your mobile phone? With Android look at what "permission access" a specific app is searching for: if a restaurant review app wants access to your text messages or contact list, for instance, that's a big red flag. With iOS, read reviews of the app first before downloading — if there's something fishy about it, chances are someone has already discovered it and is spreading the word. And lastly, only download apps from the official store for your device and regularly back up all the information on your phone in case a virus does pop up — it will make the process of restoring the device much easier.

Q What are the requirements for securing an ".org" domain? I want the ".com" but it's not available.

A Many people believe that the .org domain is reserved strictly for those companies and organizations in the nonprofit, charitable, philanthropic or advocacy sectors, but in fact it's available to anyone just like the .com designation. And if you're a business owner, having the .org domain can be a real boost as it brings with it a sense of integrity and trust by grouping you under the aforementioned umbrella and giving users the sense that you have goals beyond just a commercial venture.

As with the .com domain, your .org must abide by the Domain Name Anti-Abuse Policy. This means no illegal or fraudulent activities can occur on your site, such as spamming or phishing through counterfeit pages, the willful distribution of malware, etc.

To register your .org name, go through the same process at though it were a .com. Use a registrar such as the Public Interest Registry, which typically charges a very small fee, or any other accredited registrar such as name.com. Be aware, however, that different registrars charge different fees, so shop around first.

Other than that, there are no specific restrictions on obtaining an .org domain name, and the benefits of doing so can most definitely give your company, business or endeavor a more visually appealing presence on the web.

Terry and Clarence Low are co-founders of Byte Technology, a web design firm based in Monterey, Denver and Minneapolis. Their personal technology column appears on alternating Saturdays. Read more news on their blog at www.byte-technology.com/blog. Send questions to tlow@byte-technology.com, or write to Bits 'N' Bytes, 400 Camino El Estero, Monterey 93940.